Labasa is facing challenges in becoming a tourism destination due to inadequate waste disposal methods, according to Dr. Joeli Veitayaki, a strategic advisor for Blue Prosperity Fiji.
Dr. Veitayaki highlighted that significant amounts of waste, especially plastics, are not being managed properly, stating, “These plastics take years to decompose, contributing to unsightly and unsanitary conditions that deter potential tourists from visiting Labasa.”
Speaking at a workshop organized by the Wildlife Conservation Society, he also pointed out the detrimental effects of unnecessary burning of forests and sugarcane fields, which leads to air pollution and damages natural habitats, thereby diminishing the scenic appeal of the town. He emphasized that the frequent burning releases harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
He stressed the importance of implementing better waste management systems and more stringent land use regulations to tackle these issues effectively.
In response, Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator of the Labasa Town Council, mentioned that new rubbish bins have been installed around the town to encourage proper waste disposal, with the hope that this initiative would help resolve the problem.